Punjab Assembly passes controversial Defamation Bill amid media outcry

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 23 May 2024

The Punjab Assembly has approved the controversial Defamation Bill 2024, drawing protests from media professionals. Critics argue it threatens press freedom and democratic values.

Summary

LAHORE–The Punjab Assembly passed the Defamation Bill 2024, sparking significant protests from journalists and media bodies. The bill, which aims to address defamation issues, has been criticized by media professionals as a tool for silencing dissent and restricting press freedom.

Arshad Ansari, President of the Lahore Press Club (LPC), addressed a gathering of protesting journalists, revealing that the government engaged in discussions with them for over two hours.

Despite these talks, the government refused to postpone the bill's approval for a week to allow for a broader stakeholder consensus. In his address, Ansari highlighted the apparent hypocrisy of the current government, recalling how Maryam Nawaz Sharif had previously joined journalists in protesting against the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) amendments proposed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government.

But now her party's government in the federation and Punjab are implementing laws aimed at gagging the media, Ansari lamented. Ansari warned of further protests and possible sit-ins, stating that a joint action committee, including representatives from both print and electronic media bodies, would determine the future course of action within two days.

The media community remains staunch in its opposition to the bill, viewing it as a direct threat to press freedom and democratic principles in Pakistan, potentially leading to a chilling effect on free speech and independent journalism.

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